Sugar addiction , compulsive eating , and why they should not eat what you crave

Looong time (1998 ) ago I wrote a doctoral thesis that began with several observations about women suffering from bulimia. One was the relationship of sugar. When I examined the DSM -IV criteria for substance dependence according to DSM -IV criteria for binge eating disorder bulimia, it became clear that sugar addiction was most likely driving the binge . ” No kidding, you say, but it was radical thinking in 1998.

My research has divided the participants, all selected for binge eating disorder in three groups. The low -sugar group was given guidelines on low blood sugar to go nutrition. They record their food intake , including episodes and / or excessive desires , and came to the weekly support meetings .

The group with low fat low fat registered followed their food cravings and binge eating patterns , and attended weekly meetings. The control group had no guidelines on nutrition meetings or support and simply connects your food cravings and binges .

All groups of periodic reports for weighing and measuring .

Bulimia and desire decreased more in the low -sugar group . Weight loss was also greater in the group that although the weight loss can not be completely explained by comparing the caloric intake between groups.

What I think is funny ( well, maybe a little irritating ) is that people are now – in 2014 – finally – finally – to find a link between sugar addiction and the epidemic of obesity. I guess the crazy low fat content in 1985-1999 – and “crazy” is what it was – had to die before people could see what was happening . ( What can I say My mother always told me that I did not see other connections.)

So how sugar contributes to the obesity epidemic ? Let’s look at what sugar does :
• Sugar causes a reaction ” priming ” – makes us want even a little more . This is due to a specific receptor of dopamine in the brain . Some people experience this more than others. Consider this effect of sugar the main argument against eating ” a small amount” of what we aspire to . Priming can turn into a very large amount .

• It is like a drug, we really want a lot of sugary foods and encourages overconsumption.

• sugar addiction is physiologically real. It can cause withdrawal symptoms ( anxiety, restlessness , inability to concentrate , and more) when not available . Research and sugar consumption often to end the discomfort of withdrawal can lead to overeating and weight gain.

• Sugar can be responsible for what I have called “secondary fat consumption.” None of the study participants want fat. Almost everyone wanted sugar. But ! In response to sugar cravings , ate . Often foods that are high in fat , for example, a craving for something sweet was likely to be answered with a bowl of ice cream – high in sugar and fat Why research shows that fat makes sugar taste sweeter . ? . added fats and calories were significant in all groups.

• Enables the release of beta- endorphins in the brain. Beta -endorphin inhibits primary satiety center of the brain ( the ventromedial hypothalamus) . This can increase appetite and increased food consumption in a particular area – and lead to more frequent meals.

• beta -endorphin changes food preferences to other triggers of beta- endorphins : more fat or sugar. Preference for healthy food such as vegetables , low compared with food. Caloric intake can easily reach . In addition , foods that are high in fat can trigger ghrelin , a hormone that tends to increase your appetite because it slows metabolism – a potentially dangerous combination for weight and health.

It is clear from this list that sugar makes it very easy – consume food and calories, calories, especially empty . We can see the role in binge eating and overweight. I emphasize the fact that this link was clear to me in 1998 when I wrote my thesis, and in 1999 , when he had finished .